Cork has always been a major centre for the arts in Ireland but, since its designation as European City of Culture in 2005, the city has upped its game significantly. The calendar of major festivals hosted in Cork throughout the year caters for all tastes, with events in performance and visual arts, choral singing, comedy, film, folk music, jazz, literature, writing, and traditional music, to name but a few.
The biggest festivals are those of  the Cork St. Patrick’s Day Festival in March,the Cork Midsummer Festival in June and the Cork Folk Festival and the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival which are both held in October. As you will see from the links below every month has a nice surprise for you:
January |
February |
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
August |
September |
October |
November |
December |
January
Cask Ales and Strange Brew Festival
Featuring a range of special brews using curious and interesting ingredients, the festival will showcase the growing experimentation of Irish brewers and their ability to challenge the norms of brewing.
Cork Coffee Weekend
Cork Coffee Weekend, a showcase of indie cafés in Cork, will be holding fun, informative coffee-focused events throughout the city.
February
Cork Spring Poetry Festival
Poetry readings and literary discussions at the Cork Arts Theatre, Camden Court, Carroll’s Quay and various spots around the city, brought to you by the Munster Literature Centre.
Quarter Block Party
Quarter Block Party is a three day music and arts festival on North and South Main Street, Cork City, taking place on the first weekend of February.
ORTĂS Chamber Music Festival
Bringing together top Irish and international musicians to perform around Cork City and County. The festival also includes educational and outreach projects in schools and public spaces across the community.
March
Cork St. Patrick’s Day Festival
Join us as the city comes alive with colour, music and pagentry for this yearâs St. Patrickâs Day Parade. On this festival weekend, take a guided tour, listen to some traditional music, see an exhibition or take in a show.
Cork Sound Fair
Showcasing experimental sound through installations and live performances in unlikely venues in Cork including St. Peter’s Church and Cork City Gaol.
Lifelong Learning Festival
Corkâs Lifelong Learning Festival promotes and celebrates learning of all kinds, across all ages, interests and abilities. During the festival all events are free and accessible to everyone.
Some of the more popular free workshops: Photography, Grow your own Vegetables, Learn Composting, Animation, Bowls, Knitting, Animal Rearing, Yoga, Choir Rehearsal, Acting, Creative Writing, Rowing, Drumming, Tai Chi, Arts & Crafts, Karate, Stress Management, Handball, Biodiversity, Pilates
Learning is promoted as fun with events including performances, debates, taster sessions, tours, displays and demonstrations. They take place right across Cork in a variety of venues indoors and out, including on water, and in shopping centres, libraries, museums, resource and community centres, parks, sportsgrounds and on the streets.
April
Cork World Book Festival
Cork World Book Fest combines readings by world class writers in a variety of settings
It is a participator inclusive event, involving members of book clubs based in the Cityâs libraries and other readers groups, giving audiences who would not normally attend literary events a chance to experience readings by leading Irish and international writers.
Cork International Choral Festival
With the majority of events 100% free and excellent deals available for Gala and Fringe Concerts, there is something for all ages and interests. Top off your May Bank Holiday with a visit to Cork for one of Europe’s most exciting vocal music experiences.
Experience the best in vocal music with a jam packed programme ranging from world class Gala Concerts and a diverse Fringe programme, to the vibrant Choral Trail, where voices spill out from restaurants, bars, galleries and public spaces across the city.
Easter Beer Festival
Bavarian style beer tent will house the countryâs most innovative brewers including YellowBelly, Kinnegar, Trouble & Torc. With the spirit sector undergoing vibrant growth we now also be showcasing some of Ireland’s finest distillers such as Blackwater Distillery, Blacks of Kinsale & Jameson!
Cork Whiskey Festival
The festival is bringing together Irelandâs whiskey producers and Corkâs best bars and restaurants to show you whatâs available in the city.
Throughout the weekend you can experience tastings, talks, tours and more in participating venues including Sober Lane, Electric, The Oliver Plunkett, Deep South, An Brog, The Cornstore, Cavanaghs, Goldbergs, Soho, The Raven, The Woodford, The Shelbourne Bar and Kudos Bar @ The Clarion.
May
Corona Fastnet Short Film Festival (West Cork)
Taking place every year in the picturesque fishing village of Schull on the south-west coast of Ireland. We screen short films from all over the world and invite industry professionals to share their knowledge with our visiting filmmakers. âOur Village is Our Screenâ.
June
Ocean to City
Ocean to City â An Ras Mor (‘The Big Race’) is a 15 nautical mile (28km) rowing race and maritime festival celebrating Corks unique maritime heritage and natural harbour. The grand finale is the Ocean to City Race.
More than just a race, thereâs something for everyone at the Ocean to City Event both in the city & county; Dragonboat, currach & kayak trips,Corkumnavigation, Harbour cruises, Navy tours, Angling trips, maritime exhibitions, boatbuilding demonstrations, maritime films and talks in the Triskel theatre, food and craft markets, music , Ceili, model boat making and much more.
Cork City Marathon
The Cork City Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay will take place on the June Bank Holiday Monday.
Shandon Street Festival
Shandon Street Festival takes place in June of each year. It is usually held on the Saturday closest to mid summer’s day. Everyone, whether long-time local or first -time visitor, is invited to join in. Church Street, Bob & Joan’s Walk and Exchange Street are decorated by local youth groups and create a colourful setting for family fun. Face-painting, clowns, and music from local bands add to the atmosphere. Try a tango or Salsa in the street. If you get hungry after all that activity sample a tasty snack from the food fair. Sit back and enjoy performances from local schools and community groups,with historical re-enactments of local characters and stories.
Cork Midsummer Festival
Cork Midsummer Festival is one of Ireland’s leading international summer arts festivals with a programme of local, national and international arts including: theatre,dance, music, opera, visual arts and street arts, as well as ambitious participatory projects and an extensive programme of free events.
July
Damhsafest
Damhsafest is the only International Folk Dance Festival in Ireland.Internationally acclaimed Folk Dance Groups from Cardiff in Wales, Russia, Finland Hoe-downers from Kentucky in USA, Togo in West Africa and Ireland will provide top class entertainment in selected venues in Cork City and County. Free public performances take place every day of the festival.
Cork Pride FestivalÂ
Cork Pride festival’s Mission is to celebrate the diverse culture of cork’s gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender (Lgbt) community , by providing the Cork community with various activities and functions to promote and engage in educational, civic and cultural activities in order to enrich the lives of LGBT people and the community as a whole, and to work together to achieve common goal.
Cork Cycling Festival
Whether your wheels were made for racing, touring, tricking or simply to get from A to B, this festival has plenty to offer. From themed city cycles, tourist countryside tours and bicycle parades, to DIY workshops, fashion events and a bike beauty pageant – Cork Cycling Festival has it all.All events are free  and donât worry if you donât have a bicycle, you can rent one.
August
Mother Jones Festival
Although famous in other parts of the world, especially in the United States of America where she was once labelled âthe most dangerous woman in Americaâ, Cork born Mary Jones (nĂ©e Harris) â or Mother Jones as she is perhaps more widely known â was virtually unknown and certainly not recognised as yet in her native city. She was a constant thorn in the side of the establishment. The festival brings song, dance and storytelling to Cork city.
Indiependence Music Festival
An award winning festival “weekender” which takes place on the outskirts of Mitchelstown in northern County Cork each year on the August Bank Holiday weekend.
September
Cork International Short Story Festival
This is the worldâs oldest annual short story festival and is produced by the Munster Literature Centre. Some of the worldâs greatest writers have come to read at this festival including Louis de Bernieres Richard Ford, Jhumpa Lahiri, Yiyun Li, Edna OâBrien, Colm Toibin and many many others. Every year writers of this calibre come to Cork to engage with lively audiences through free readings, workshops, seminars etc. Presented along with the festival is one of the worldâs most prestigious short story awards, The Frank OâConnor International Short Story Award.
Sounds from a Safe Harbour
A festival roduced by Cork Opera House. Sounds from a Safe Harbour is a festival of music, art and conversation that brings a huge international creative cast to Cork for big sell out bands and intimate secret gigs in undisclosed occasions alike.
Cork Oyster and Seafood Festival
The food festival will be centred in the Metropole but will also take place in other venues across Cork City with live music, an exciting food trail and plenty of other aspects that will happen over the weekend.
Cork Culture Night
For one very special Friday night in September,Culture-junkies can look forward to incredible art, exhibitions, drama and music when this yearâs Culture Night comes to town. In addition to the musical offerings, locals and visitors will also have the chance to explore a record number of cultural venues and otherwise private facilities, enjoying a feast of cultural displays and activities, and all for free.
Running from early evening until very late, there is something for everyone, young and old alike. Theatres, galleries, observatories, public laboratories, film and artistsâ studios, Churches and music venues are opening their doors and putting on a range of special events, all for you and all for free!
October
Cork Folk Festival
The Cork Folk Festival is one of Irelandâs finest musical events and each autumn thousands of world class musicians and followers of good music throng to the city. Performances take place in concert halls, music venues, in 30 pubs and at the open- air Ceile Mor on the Grand Parade. At the festival you will find the very best of Irish traditional musicians from Cork, Sliabh Luachre and from all over Ireland playing in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Cork Jazz Festival
The Cork Jazz Festival has become one of Ireland premier and most successful internationally renowned musical events since it was first held in 1978. Each year thousands of visitors come to Cork to enjoy the City & it’s Festival. We invite you to come and join us for one of the greatest jazz parties in the world over the October Bank Holiday Weekend.
November
Cork Film Festival
The programme is wide-ranging, an eclectic mix of big budget pictures, world cinema, innovative independent films, documentaries and short films from all over the globe. The festival is a major showcase for Irish film production.
Cork Science Festival
December
A Cork Christmas Celebration
A Cork Christmas Celebration sees Bishop Lucey Park being magically transformed into a beautiful illuminated park and The Grand Parade will also be transformed into a wonderful haven of Irish and International craft and food stalls, something for everyone to enjoy this Christmas!